The baby shower is a relatively recent phenomenon in Western culture. It started after World War II, along with the Baby Boom, because many parents needed help in affording to buy everything they needed to take care of their new child.

Now, fifty years later, the Baby Shower tradition continues to grow and evolve. However, the main thing that must happen at any Shower is that your guests enjoy themselves. This is achieved by holding the shower in an attractive environment - whether it be at a private home or in a restaurant or other meeting place - and making sure there are plenty of activities to keep the guests busy.

In this article we will concentrate on decorating for the Baby Shower.

The first thing to do before acquiring any decorations is to decide what kind of baby shower it's going to be. Elegant, casual, whimsical? Based on a theme? Host and expectant mother must get together to decide those details. The budget must be decided upon. Number of guests. The location of the shower.

If the baby shower is going to be held at a restaurant or private club, make sure you consult with the appropriate people as to what kind of decorations you can and can't use. Don't purchase any decorations until you know where the shower is going to be held, and what is to be allowed there.

If the shower is held at a place other than one you know well, make sure you visit it well ahead of time so that you can get an idea of the dimensions of the room where the shower will be held, the ease of access, toilet facilities, etc.

There is no need to go overboard on the decorations. A few tasteful items to highlight the event will serve much better than a jumble of pieces that in all likelihood will go unnoticed by the guests.

Make it easy to find the Baby Shower! If its in a restaurant, make sure the maitre' d or manager knows where the event is being held. If they allow signs in the lobby, put one there. Otherwise, a balloon bouquet with ribbons floating above the appropriate tables is a great way to mark out the territory - but make sure the restaurant allows you to do this.

If it's being held in a home, a sign outside - usually that of a stork! will do the trick.

Wall Decorations
Balloons are always a staple of baby shower decorations. Paper streamers or banners are also much used.

Paper Goods
Although it's possible to purchase theme-decorated paper goods, all that's really needed is to ensure that the plates, cups, napkins and eating utensils are color-coordinated. A table cloth always adds a touch of cloth.
Table centerpieces can consist of fresh flower arrangements or arrangements of candles. Using placecards is optional... those friends seated far away from the expectant mother on purpose, might feel a bit hurt! Better to let them arrange these things amongst themselves.

Start your decorating of the room with several hours to spare to ensure you have time to rush out for any last minute items. Balloons filled with helium should be purchased on the day of the shower to ensure that they are fresh and ready to go.